Megachurch collapsing After Sex Scandal
Pastor Dale Morgan
Megachurch collapsing After Sex Scandal*
Monday March 5, 2007 4:16 AM
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - The megachurch founded by the Rev. Ted
Haggard, who was fired over drug and sex allegations, has laid off 44
people amid falling income following the scandal.
The cuts announced during services Sunday amount to about 12 percent of
the church's work force, associate pastor Rob Brendle said.
Brendle estimated that church income has fallen 10 percent since the
scandal last fall, forcing layoffs including pastoral staff, support
staff and nursery workers.
``The reality is, we ask our people to be faithful stewards of their
money and living within their means. We have to do the same,'' Brendle said.
Ross Parsley, the church's interim senior pastor, said some positions
will be consolidated, and volunteers could replace some paid staff.
The 14,000-member church had experienced 22 years of attendance and
financial growth, Brendle said.
Haggard was fired in November after a Denver man alleged Haggard used
methamphetamine in his presence and paid him for sex. Haggard has
acknowledged ``sexual immorality.'' He also stepped down as president of
the National Association of Evangelicals.